The Educator Magazine U.K. Jan-April 2023. - Magazine - Page 40
Have you
been thinking
about
adoption?
There are children all over the
country who need a lifelong family.
They may be young or already at
school, as part of a sibling group,
from a range of ethnic, cultural and
faith backgrounds, they may live
with a disability or health needs.
Since coming together as a Regional
Adoption Agency in 2017, at Adoption
Counts, we have been working very
hard to make sure we do our best for
those children in care who are
waiting to join a forever family.
Our most important job is to do our
best by them, and find them the right
adoptive family in which to thrive and
grow in. This is why we want hear from
anyone who feels they could offer a
child a nurturing and loving home.
You may decide to adopt for many
different reasons. You may have
experienced infertility, or you may be
considering adoption because of your
deep commitment to children or the
planet, or you may be an experienced
parent looking to grow your family
through adoption. Whatever the
reason, we’re here to help.
Adopters come from all walks of life –
and we encourage enquiries from
a diverse section of the community,
irrespective of gender, sexual
orientation, disability, race or faith.
There is no age limit to adopt,
although you will need to be at least
21 years old to get the process
started. As an adoptive parent, you will
become the legal parent of a child who
cannot – for whatever reason – live
with their birth parents. You’ll take
on the same legal rights and
responsibilities of a birth parent
and provide a permanent home and
support for the child you adopt.
You will be able to explain how they
came to live with you and support
their identity needs as they grow up
with you.
If you’re wondering where to start,
we have a free guide on our website
www.adoptioncounts.org.uk that
could help: it will break down the
process and timescales, share the
stories of other adoptive parents
and help you decide if adoption is
right for you at the moment.
Adoption Counts works for children
and families living in and around the
Local Authorities of Cheshire East,
Manchester, Salford, Stockport, and
Trafford.
We are currently looking for adopters
for children of all ages. We are
particularly reaching out for people
who will consider children aged
three years and above, sibling groups,
children of a minority ethnic background (particularly from Black African
and Black Caribbean communities)
and children with complex needs.
Adoption is a big decision. But it could
be the best you ever make. Talk to us.
www.adoptioncounts.org.uk